Canada Legalizes Recreational Cannabis: What You Should Know

Jul 28, 2018

Folks north of the border are rejoicing after Canada became the second country in the world to fully legalize marijuana. The historic bill, referred to as the Cannabis Act, passed its final stage of legislation in June 2018 after the Senate followed up on its approval from the House of Commons.

Word of Canada’s cannabis legalization is welcome news to Canadians and marijuana advocates all across the world, but you may be wondering what this means for Canadian citizens and those planning to travel north of the border. Here’s what you need to know about cannabis in Canada:

Legal To Own, Grow, and Sell

A number of states in the U.S. have legalized marijuana, but the exact rules and conditions tend to vary from place to place. For example, some states allow people to grow their own plants at home, while others have mandated that cultivators obtain a special license before growing. Some states in the U.S. have also capped the quantity of marijuana that one can possess while away from home.

Canada’s cannabis legalization, meanwhile, will permit home growing of plants as well as possession and sales for adults. The federal government will continue to restrict sales to minors and provinces will be permitted to adjust their own marijuana laws as they see fit, which may mean that the legal age for marijuana use could be raised in certain areas.

The Law Has Not Gone Into Effect Just Yet

Canada’s cannabis legalization is reason to celebrate, but you shouldn’t get the party started just yet.

After the passing of the Cannabis Act, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the law will not formally go into effect until October 17, 2018. At that point, there will be some sales underway, but it’s not a given that marijuana will be legally sold in dispensaries right away. Provinces and territories have indicated that they will need two to three months after the Senate’s approval to make the transition. In theory, that should put every area on track for October, but it’s not a given that every jurisdiction will be ready to rock and roll by then.

As you may recall, the new marijuana laws unfolded in a similar fashion in California. Marijuana was legalized in the Golden State on January 1, 2018, but different counties and municipalities put the new measures into effect at different rates. Those looking to enjoy cannabis in Canada can circle October 17th on their calendars, but you would be well-served to check up on the specifics when the date draws near.

A Mild Rebellion

Canada is not known for causing a stir on the international stage, but Canada’s cannabis legalization is – technically – in violation of international law. Canada is part of multiple international drug treaties that specifically ban the legalization of marijuana and those treaties have yet to be amended. That means Canada is, in a sense, rebelling against other parts of the world.

This may sound scary, but don’t fret. The decision to break the global accords won’t be a barrier to Canada’s legalization efforts. Canada’s Liberal Party vowed to legalize cannabis for years, and they delivered on the promise in 2018. Other countries may not be thrilled about the move, but it won’t cause Canada to reverse course.

Making History

By legalizing and regulating cannabis, Trudeau & Co. believe that they will keep marijuana away from underage users while limiting the crime that comes with the black market. As mentioned earlier, Canada has become only the second nation in the world to legalize cannabis, following Uruguay’s legislative change in 2013.

Canada’s bold move could theoretically impact cannabis laws in other parts of the globe as well. At long last, it appears that lawmakers are catching up to the world’s perception of marijuana use, so it’s conceivable that other countries will soon follow suit.

Already, nine U.S. states have legalized marijuana and it appears that more will follow suit in the next year. Cannabis supporters should not expect the United States to legalize cannabis right away, but there is reason to believe that day could come in the not too distant future.

Big Bucks

Naturally, the legalization of weed in Canada is expected to give a major boost to the country’s economy. In the United States alone, it has been estimated that the marijuana industry registered nearly $9 billion in sales in 2017. Economists are expecting a similar boom in Canada’s private sector as well as the country’s tax haul.

Ultimately, the legalization of pot means that Canadians will enjoy a safer and better regulated marijuana experience. Meanwhile, the nation expects to reap the benefits of increased sales tax intake as well as a spike in tourism.

I’m Happy About Canada’s Cannabis Legalization, But Where Can I Get Marijuana In California?

We’re glad you asked! TOPS Cannabis is proud to be California’s best marijuana delivery service. After starting out with delivery to just ten cities in Los Angeles County, we now provide the elite marijuana delivery services to over 100 cities in the Golden State.

TOPS Cannabis offers comprehensive service to marijuana neophytes and experienced customers alike. Our Full Service delivery is ideal for first-time customers and for those who aren’t quite sure what they want. For those who know exactly what they want, our Express delivery option allows you to get the flower, cannabis extracts, cannabis edibles, and other goods right away via our staff’s fast and discreet delivery.

Getting started with TOPS Cannabis is as easy as 1-2-3. You can fill out our quick form online to have a representative get in touch with you, or you can call (844) 420-TOPS to chat with a TOPS Cannabis expert about our wide variety of top-shelf products.

Canada will have to wait until October to celebrate it’s new marijuana laws, but Californians are free to celebrate right now. Get your delivery from TOPS Cannabis today!

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